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NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - Medical marijuana is being prescribed to help people with a variety of chronic diseases. But what about using it to help sick pets?

Antonio rescued his dog Coco a couple of years ago. Antonio had never heard of medical-marijuana for dogs. But -- like most pet owners -- said he'd consider anything that might make Coco more comfortable.

Dr. Alana Redfern at Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital in Forest Hills, Queens, quickly points out The Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve medical marijuana for pets because no research has shown its effectiveness. But Dr. Redfern also said she could at least imagine instances where some cannabis products might ease a pet's nausea, stimulate its appetite, or make it more comfortable while suffering from pain or joint conditions.

More than anything when it comes to cannabis and pets, Dr. Redfern worries that pet owners might feed their animals medical or non-medical marijuana intended for humans, which can be toxic for dogs.

As human medical marijuana prescriptions have increased, so too have hospitalizations of pets who accidentally ingested it.

Dr. Redfern said she would absolutely not recommend that people give their medical marijuana to their pets.

No vet in this country can write a medical marijuana prescription. Pet owners have to buy these hemp-based pet products online or at a dispensary on their own.